Angie's List Tips For Going Green
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Are you thinking about how to reduce your carbon footprint because you're concerned about the environment?
Learn how going green can save you money as you help save the Earth with some tips from Angie's List.
The older your water heaters, HVAC system, and major appliances are, the more money it can cost you to run them. Replacing them or remodeling to make your home more energy efficient can save you money in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint.
"We had done some other things a few years ago, like we replaced the furnace with a high efficiency gas furnace and we replaced the air conditioner with a high efficiency, but that again that was partly because we needed to and so we just went to the higher efficiency when we did," Jud Brouse said.
Another energy hog is just your regular old drafty door or window. If replacement doors and windows aren't in your budget, there's a cheaper green alternative.
"Another great way to improve energy efficiency in a remodel job is just to make sure your house is sealed well. Check for air leaks and that doors and windows are sealed well, vents are sealed well, but also be sure that you've got a carbon monoxide detector in your house too because you don't want to get your house sealed too tight and you end up having issues with carbon monoxide," Angie Hicks from Angie's List said.
"Another thing we had done was we replaced the insulation in the attic with some new quite thick stuff so they liked that. So, between the windows and the furnace and the air conditioner and insulation we kind of hit all the big things," Brouse said.
You can even choose eco-friendly flooring that shrinks your carbon footprint.
"Wool is a very viable source for using as green it's a natural material. Some of the other options would be if you are looking for a hard floor surface we have cork and bamboo that's a renewable, highly renewable source it's very cost efficient," contractor Tony Rebuo said.
You can go green with cleaning products too. Look into make your own ideas with things like lemons, salt and vinegar.
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